Dark intersections can lead to pedestrian injuries

On behalf of Schoenfeld & Schoenfeld, P.C. posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Tuesday, November 22, 2016.

Dangerous intersections can lead to serious injuries for pedestrians. Drivers don't expect to see them walking in the dark, and without reflective clothing, it can be nearly impossible to see them. This is why it's so important to point out dangerous, dark intersections to the city or local government.

In a case in Lake Oswego, Oregon, a little girl was hit when she was riding her bicycle in the crosswalk of Jean and Bryant roads. It's not the first time kids have been hit; in fact, several others had been hit in that intersection, which is near the junior high school.

It was fortunate that this case wasn't fatal; the little girl did suffer a head injury along with a knee injury, though. The 11-year-old girl had a concussion from hitting her head on the windshield; she was thrown to the ground but fortunately did not get run over.

The driver of the vehicle, a 16-year-old girl, was cited for failing to stop and for failing to stay stopped for a pedestrian. The fine for the actions is only $260. It's not clear why the driver didn't stop; her information was not released because she's underage.

What's the answer to dark intersections and the risk to pedestrians? The girl's mother says she wants a light at the intersection. Better visibility can help prevent accidents, whereas poor visibility endangers the children who walk there. If you have a dangerous intersection in your area, you can request a light be installed or seek help from local authorities to find other possible solutions.

If you or a loved one is injured because of a dark intersection and a negligent driver, you may have cause to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit. An attorney can help you determine who to name as defendants in such a case.

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